A Year-Round Safari Destination
The Maasai Mara teems with life and wonder. And with two distinct seasons, a short, wet spell followed by a long, dry season, Wet and Dry, there’s an abundance of things to see and discover year-round. Here, the Dry season is favoured for animals congregating around water sources with staggering displays of prey and predator action. This time of year is renowned for its big cat sightings, from lions to cheetahs and even elusive leopards. The long dry spell is then punctuated by the Short and Long Rains, which bring renewed life for plants and animals and an entirely different wildlife experience. Known to have fewer crowds, there’s a bounty of herding animals and migratory birds—from colourful Hildebrandt’s starlings Ross’s turaco Carmine bee-eaters to European rollers—and bursts of thunderstorms for vivid photography and beautiful, vibrant scenes across the plains.
Maasai Mara National Reserve WEATHER
June - October : During the dry season, overnight temperatures dip to 11°C before rising to 25-27°C in the afternoon with low humidity. At this time of the year in the Maasai Mara, the vegetation dries and thins out, and animals gather around water sources, making it easier to spot wildlife. For some, this is considered the best time to be in the Maasai Mara as intrigued visitors eagerly await the Great Migration and the theatrical crossing of the Mara River that happens from September to NovemberJuly to October.
November - December : In the Wet season, the start of the Short Rains is characterised by dramatic late afternoon thunderstorms that sweep across the plains of the Maasai Mara. At this time of the year, rain comes in short, bold bouts before clearing. The rain signals the beginning of renewed growth, sprays of wildflowers and the birth of herbivores and predators! Daytime temperatures reach a high of 30°C.
January - March : At this time of the year, days are generally warm and dry with only occasional showers. Daytime temperatures can reach a high of 28°C while evenings can drop to 12°C, ideal for gathering around the fire post-safari.
Late April - May : The Long Rains, known locally, typically brings regular downpours that peak in April and MayMay. With it, the landscape transforms into a lush green expanse, although some areas can be harder to reach with slippery tracks and pockets of water. At this time of the year, young wildebeest, zebra and antelope flood the plains and predators lurk closely. It’s also the beginning of elephant breeding season. During the day, warm morning temperatures can be 13-14°C, rising to comfortable daytime maximums of around 27°C.
